Every quarter we feature a Staff Spotlight story on one of our hard working staff.  Today we want to highlight Carole Miller who in recent weeks has completed 17 years at the Missions Office.

Tell how and when you came to the Mission Office and what your role has been and currently is.

I was hired in 2002 as Administrative Assistant to Jon Konnerup, who was an Associate Director at the time, and I also assisted the Director of Operations, Dan Blakeslee. A few years later, I transitioned to Accounts Payable, then later worked as Office Coordinator. I have been Bro. Konnerup’s Administrative Assistant for nearly eight years, and I can honestly say that I truly enjoy working for him. I am thankful for the variety of positions I’ve held over the past 17 years here at the Mission Office, because it has allowed me to learn so much.

What is one thing that few people know about you?

I’m usually such an open book, so I really had to give this one some thought. Just ask me anything you want to know and I’ll be happy to share. One thing people probably don’t know about me is that I’m a foodie – more about that later. If you need to know the best places in town to go to for lunch or dinner, I’m your resource. On the flipside, if you know of any, I want to know about them. I’m also a bit of a coffee snob, but we’ll save that for another day.

What indoor/outdoor activities bring you the most enjoyment?

I don’t know if you would call it an activity, but the thing that brings me the most joy at this season of my life is spending time with my three grandchildren – Eli, Nora and Logan. I can be having a most dreadful day and just talking to them, or spending time with them, just makes all my troubles melt away. God has brought great joy to this Nana’s heart!!

What are some favorite books you have read?

I LOVE reading historical fiction – especially as it relates to Jewish history. My love for historical fiction began several years ago when I read two series of books entitled The Zion Chronicles and The Zion Covenant, written by Brock and Bodie Thoene. I’d have to say those are my favorites. I also read another book entitled Sarah’s Key by Tatiana DeRosnay that really made quite an impression on me.

 You’ve declared yourself to be a “foodie” – can you explain?

I absolutely love this question! Yes, I’m a foodie. According to Wikipedia, a foodie is “a gourmet, or a person who has an ardent or refined interest in food. A foodie seeks new food experiences as a hobby rather than simply eating out of convenience or hunger.” I think I have my parents to thank for my foodie-ness because I grew up in a home where we had to try everything and my dad, who has always been an aspiring chef, was known to cook some of the most unusual dishes for special occasions – fondue, beef burgundy, prime rib, Caesar salad, etc. I love trying new restaurants, shopping at unusual stores like Trader Joe’s, or just preparing something different for dinner.

Where do you enjoy going on vacation and why?

Sun, sand and water – that describes my favorite vacation spot. I’m overwhelmed with that aspect of God’s beautiful creation. We’ve never been faithful about taking vacations, per se, but when we do take one, we tend to gravitate to the beach. When I was a child, our family spent a great deal of time at the lake, so I developed a love for bodies of water.

What do you like most about working in the Mission Office?

Working at the Mission Office has allowed me to grow in so many ways – professionally, spiritually and personally. I LOVE learning new things and strategizing to determine the best way to accomplish things or manage projects. I get a great deal of satisfaction from helping brainstorm new projects or help with problem-solving. The best part of my job is knowing that God has placed me here for the furtherance of HIS kingdom. Some of the best friends I have are people I work with. Plus, I GET to meet and become friends with our missionaries and pastors, God’s finest servants.

If you wish to send a note to Carole, you may reach her at Carole@bbfimissions.com.